Staten Island pol targets cosmetic cruelty to animals

Photo provided by Assemblywoman MalliotakisAssemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C-Brooklyn, Staten Island) has introduced legislation that would establish a misdemeanor for subjecting a dog, cat, or other companion animal to piercings, tattoos, and certain cosmetic surgery.

You may have to forget those facelifts for your feline and piercings for your pooch.

Saying that she was "sickened" by a TV program about cosmetic procedures for pets, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis has introduced a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to subject a dog, cat or other companion animal to piercings, tattoos and unnecessary appearance-altering surgeries.

The surgeries, including tummy tucks and devocalization, are become more common, Ms. Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) said. She was alerted to the problem by a segment called "Pet Crazy" on the "20/20" news show.

"I was sickened after seeing the images of dogs with tattoos and piercings through their eyebrows and noses," said Ms. Malliotakis. "These non-medical cosmetic procedures are not just odd and unnecessary, they amount to animal cruelty."

Conviction under the bill would be punishable by up to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

While the psychological effects on the animals is an area of debate, Ms. Malliotakis said, most of the procedures require an application of general anesthesia, which poses a health risk in itself.

The animal must then go through the pain of recovery and possible infection, or post-surgery complications.

She said the legislation would also remove the impetus for retailers to physically modify animals in the hopes of enticing buyers.

Ms. Malliotakis has picked up support from the medical community and animal advocates.

"Has our society become so vain that we would submit our beloved companions to unnecessary and possible life-threatening procedures?" said Dr. Michelle Werner, a veterinarian at Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital, which has locations on the Island. "These are loved ones, not accessories."

Catherine Gaffney, a former dog groomer at All Pets Animal Hospital, said, "If you think that cosmetic surgery is not abuse, think again. If you don't like the way a cat or dog looks then maybe an aquarium would be a better choice."

Island tattoo artists also backed Ms. Malliotakis.

When asked if he would do a tattoo or piercing on a pet, Dozer, the owner of Island Tattoo in Grasmere, said, "Are you crazy? I don't even let animals in my shop."

"It's utterly ridiculous," said Dozer, a tattoo artist for 30 years and known by the single name. "There's no reason to pierce or tattoo a dog or cat. It should be illegal."

Mike Fontana, shop manager at Bound for Glory Tattoo Studio in West Brighton, said there was "not a chance" they would pierce or tattoo a pet.

"No way in hell," he said. "We don't do that here. We tattoo humans."

Fontana said the pet tattooing could be "inhumane."

"It's an animal," he said. "It doesn't have a choice,"

Ms. Malliotakis' bill will be carried by Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn) in the

state Senate.

John Mancuso, Ms. Malliotakis' Democratic opponent, called Ms. Malliotakis' effort "ridiculous" and said the issue was a "stupid thing" to propose legislation on.

"I've never seen a dog that's had plastic surgery," he said. "This is not something that's hitting home."

Ms. Malliotakis responded, "I, and I'm sure, the animal lovers in my district and across New York state, are disappointed to hear that he does not have a heart when it comes to animal cruelty."